We start off early by driving eastwards out of Reykjavík, through the
Svínahraun lava-field, towards the Hellisheiði plateau but just before
reaching it, we'll veer off the main road and head south through the Þrengsli
pass,where one of Iceland's longest lava-caves, the so-called
Raufarhólshellir which actually passes underneath the roadway,is to be found.
Shortly thereafter, from the top of the hillside , the immense southern
shoreline of Iceland, dotted with a few fishing villages, will come into view
and, in good visibility,the Vestman islands offshore can also be seen.
Once in the lowlands, our route first passes along the shoreline, across the
new bridge on the Ölfusá river estuary, where anglers and seals can often be
spotted competing with one another for the catch of the ever elusive
salmon.
Next, we pass through the first of these coastal villages, Eyrarbakki, which
used to be one of Iceland's main trading posts throughout the
Middle-Ages,past Litla-Hraun, the country's main penitentiary, and on to
Stokkeyri, an old fishing village whose main claim to glory is to have been
the place where Þuríður formaður, a female fishing boat captain and her crew
used to set sails in the early 19th century. A tiny folk museum dedicated to
her endeavours can be found in the village centre.
Having passed Stokkseyri, the immensity of the South-Iceland lowlands, with
it's endless fields and pastures, will stretch out before our eyes until we
reach another estuary, that of Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá,which
unfortunately is not bridged here so that we are forced to cross it north of
the Urriðafoss
waterfall which although it does not rank among the country's mos spectacular
is still worth a visit.
Both Hella and Hvolsvöllur, the next inland towns on our way, are perfectly
suited for a mid morning halt for refreshments, and from there we will
proceed alongside the Fljótshlíð hillside,renowned for it's saga times
events.Crossing over the wash-out of yet another big river, the Markarfljót
this time, we will perceive the Eyjafjallajökull which is both a glacier and
an active volcano at the same time, and the tall but lean Seljalandsfoss, a
much admired waterfall.
The district on the southern side of the Eyjafjalla -and Mýrdalsjökull
glaciers, being extremely well sheltered from the northern winds,enjoys a
micro climate all of it's own, as attested by the numerous wheat and barley
fields which have been planted there in recent years.But suddenly, another
spectacular waterfall springs into view: the magnificent 180 ft high Skógafoss.
We will arrive at the picturesque village of Vík í Mýrdal around lunchtime
and after refreshments,if the tour takes place sometimes from early spring
till late summer, have the opportunity (not included) to set off, in an
amphibious vehicle owned by a local tour operator, either on a short cruise
around the Reynisdrangar rocks or even go all the way to the Dyrhólaey mull itself
and to continue our journey from there. In any case, the breathtaking
landscape and very active bird life,i.e.fulmars, kittiwakes and seagulls all
year round, arctic terns, puffins by the thousands in summer are all there
for our enjoyment.
Proceeding homewards from this southernmost tip of mainland Iceland, we will
first drive up to the edge of the glacier tongue Sólheimajökull, which
strangely enough was longtime advancing while most other glaciers in Iceland
were retreating, but now it's started to retreat as well. .
Our last mission of the day will then be to visit the highly interesting folk
museum at Skógar,
which is the lifetime of achievement of one remarkable man, Mr Þórður
Tómasson, who, as a rule takes a great pleasure in presenting it personally
to his guests, an event which many people have even considered to be the
highlight of their Iceland tour.
A rapid return, via the towns of Selfoss and Hveragerði,to Reykjavík will
then be made in the late afternoon.
Duration of tour: 10 hours,
Departures: Sundays and by request at 8:00 a.m,
Price per person, (for 3 passengers or more):
Price pr. person:
(click inside box to select your currency)
Conditions of sale.
Services included: Transporation and guidance.
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